Federal funds totaling $1.2 million will help Tacoma Rail improve its Mountain Division freight service in the East Lewis County community of Morton, according to a statement released Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. Brian Baird secured the funds as part of a package for economic development in the county.

The funds will pay to build three railcar-loading facilities, repair three spur tracks and install two new crossing signals on State Route 7.

“Tacoma Rail has been able to return freight rail service to Morton after an absence of 24 years,” said Paula Henry, Tacoma Rail assistant superintendent. “These new facilities will open opportunities for other Morton-area businesses to use rail service to deliver their products to markets throughout the United States and around the world. It also will help Tacoma Rail build its Mountain Division business.”